Angela deFreitas, Contributor

Just think about it; from where you sit in your new job, every employee around you also had a 'first-day-on-the-job'. The first-day jitters can last a little while depending on just how friendly and helpful your co-workers are, and more importantly, how well you prepared you are, and how well you can exercise workplace etiquette.

Workplace etiquette is, in fact, an extension of general etiquette. Good manners and acceptable behaviour, in some cases, can relate specifically to the work environment.

Ask questions

As someone new to the workplace, don't be afraid to ask questions, be it your immediate supervisor, your colleagues or your boss. They cannot expect you to know everything straight away so they will be expecting a barrage of questions. You should not be hesitant to ask.

Experience and understanding come several years down the line, when you have a better understanding of different organisational cultures. But, until then, ask for advice.

The upshot is, whether you are out there on a short summer holiday job or if this is the start of your working life, take these matters seriously as poor office etiquette can jeopardise your job and chances for success.

Getting it right

Wise counsel such as this may be hard to swallow, especially when you know that you're nervous, feeling totally out of it and trying hard to fit in. Guess what? You just called your supervisor by his first name (well, you've seen it in so many movies) and were asked very nicely to address him as 'Mr XXX'. Oops!

You just had your first lesson in workplace etiquette.

Trust me, you will make such mistakes as you step out into the working world. You are going to feel like a fish out of water when that happens; so be prepared to ask as many questions as necessary. Taking or making calls on your own cell, for example, reporting sick or absent for some reason, general office 'netiquette' (rules, procedures and standards relating to sending email messages, et cetera), and yes, addressing your managers and co-workers.

For a while, you may feel like they are out to get you, change or alter your lifestyle and personality. But just remember that the less outstanding or different your behaviour, attitudes and actions, the more easily you will fit in.

Tidy up

Now is the time to remember also that there are some habits and styles, which are best left behind at school. Those who are more experienced won't hesitate to tell you, for example, that things like sitting on the desk (even if it's yours), spending the first and last half hour of each day in the bathroom is not advisable. Eating at your desk (unless its coffee or tea and a biscuit as you work) is a no-no. If there is a kitchen or lunch area, that's the place for you and your lunch.

You will make a good impression when you tidy the area you occupy. The same goes for the board/meeting room and any other common area, when you use them and also your desk, cubicle or work station at the end of the day.

Punctuality

Being late for work is never excused. You may rationalise that you will put in a few hours after work to make up but lateness, even for a departmental meeting, still reflects badly on you. Anyone can stay back a little late after work, but it takes greater effort and discipline to arrive at work on time, every time. Same goes for sticking within the lunch hour given. It also follows that extended absences from your work station should be avoided.

Respecting workspace

Cubicles are part of modern work environments, it is your space in which to comfortably do your work, but lining the partitions with romantic pictures of you and your beau will more than likely be seen as inappropriate for the workplace.

Your cellphone should ideally be off, unless you must receive an urgent call. In which case, it should be on silent or vibrate mode, and you take the call discretely. Even though this is your own private cell, this is still company time on which you are talking, so leave the private calls for lunch time and after work.

You will find that the workplace can be a very social place where you will eventually make friends, find a lot of social life and build relationships with co-workers. You will be going to lunch, sharing stories and discussing all of the new hot topics from the news, the soaps and the dailies. Some topics should, however, be off-limits, among them politics, religion, your (or other people's) sex life, personal problems and your health issues.

It may be tempting to do assignments at your workplace, but it not advisable. Leave the assignments and projects at home and ensure that office work is done at work. The use of office stationery, the Internet and excessive use of printing and other office equipment will always be frowned upon. It also leaves a bad impression of you.

As you will find out, being a 'newbie' on staff has some very important positives, but also some essential negatives, from which you can learn the ways of the working world.

Whatever you encounter, remember that it's the beginning of real-life, real-time experiences which will kit you for the next stage in life and which will help you get your foot firmly on to the ladder of workplace success. So, don't blow your chances by practising poor office etiquette.

Angela deFreitas is general manager, CHOICES Career Advice, and publisher/editor of 'CHOICES Career & Education' magazine. She can be contacted at info@choicesonlinejm.com.

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